Francisco Palermo

Francisco Palermo is an Associate Professor and Millsap Missouri Professor in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Missouri's College of Education & Human Development. His PhD in Family & Human Development from Arizona State University informs his research on promoting school readiness and mitigating adverse childhood experiences, particularly among dual-language learners and economically vulnerable populations.

Research examines bilingual development, family stress processes, and resilience factors during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent publications investigate how caregiver-child interactions, economic hardship, and play behaviors moderate child outcomes. Analytical trends show innovative methodological approaches including meta-analyses, observational coding systems, and cross-cultural comparisons.

He maintains active research projects on early cognitive development, family communication patterns, and environmental influences on child health. Current work includes developing the Creativity in Play Scale and investigating paternal involvement in Korean families. Despite no documented awards, his Millsap endowed professorship recognizes research impact.

Palermo mentors graduate students in developmental research methods and contributes to departmental initiatives on child well-being. His work informs early education policies and family support programs through community partnerships.